By Trend News Line 2024-05-23 00:04:39.
A student from Chesterton High School has been charged with intimidation after an alleged incident involving a handgun on school property, according to the Chesterton Police Department.
**The Incident**
The incident took place on a Tuesday afternoon around lunchtime when a student identified as Ryan Gengnagel, 18, of Valparaiso, allegedly displayed a handgun in the school parking lot during a confrontation with two other students. The student had a handgun in his vehicle and showed it during the altercation, police said.
**The Response**
The incident was reported to school resource officers around 1:30 p.m., but the student had already left the school premises. However, he returned at approximately 2:30 p.m., at which point he was detained by Chesterton police officers. The police established a perimeter around the high school and took him into custody upon his return.
**Charges**
Ryan Gengnagel has been charged as an adult with intimidation, a level five felony, and possession of a firearm on school property, a level six felony. He was transported to the Porter County Jail and is currently being held pending an initial hearing and bond set for 9 a.m. on Thursday.
**Police Statement**
Assistant Chief Cisco Rodriguez of the Chesterton Police Department emphasized the seriousness with which both the police department and the school corporation take incidents involving firearms on school property. Rodriguez commended the swift resolution of the potentially dangerous situation, highlighting the excellent communication between school administrators, resource officers, and the police department.
**Final Thoughts**
The safety of students and staff is of utmost importance to both the Chesterton Police Department and the Duneland School Corporation. The incident was handled efficiently and professionally, thanks to the collaboration between all parties involved. The police department remains dedicated to ensuring the safety of all individuals on school grounds.
Stay tuned for updates as the case progresses..
– Chesterton student arrested for gun on school property
– Chesterton student gun on school property arrested.